Keynote SpeakersLewis Pugh is an inspirational speaker, endurance swimmer and UN Patron of the Oceans. He pioneers swims in Earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems, campaigning to protect them.
Lewis was the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world. He also became the first to swim across the North Pole and the first to swim the length of the English Channel. Most recently, he swam around the island of Martha’s Vineyard, on the 50th anniversary of Jaws, to highlight the urgent need to protect sharks.
Through his efforts, Lewis has been instrumental in protecting over 3.5 million km2 of vulnerable ocean – an area larger than Western Europe. His dream is to ensure the full protection of 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
“A master storyteller”
TED
Lewis speaks about these swims, many of which were initially regarded as “impossible”, and the subsequent campaigns to get the areas protected. He highlights the importance of creating a clear vision, choosing the right team, preparing meticulously, being resilient, and adapting when circumstances change. Furthermore, Lewis speaks about purpose – it’s the engine which drives us.
He has received a number of awards for his work, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, recognized as one of the world’s leading change-makers by National Geographic, and honoured with South Africa’s highest award – the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold Class).
Lewis Pugh – Speaker:
Lewis Pugh is a vivid storyteller.
He talks about the methods he uses – a clear vision, choosing the right team, meticulous preparation, the right mindset, never quitting, and changing when circumstances dictate.
TED describe him as a “master storyteller” and his speech at the 2008 Business Innovation Forum in Rhode Island was voted as one of the “7 Most Inspiring Speeches on the Web”.
Speaking topics include:
- How to achieve the “impossible”
- Vision
- Preparation
- Teamwork
- Excellence
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Change
- Risk
- Mind-set
- Protecting the environment
Lewis Pugh speaking titles include:
- How do we achieve the impossible? For companies that have set massive targets and need the strategy and inspiration to get to the next level.
- How do we change? For organisations that know they need to adapt in a fast-changing world.
- How can we work more effectively as a team? For multinational companies that operate with teams composed of many different cultures and backgrounds.
- How do we attain excellence? Popular with leadership teams who are working in developing economies.
